Visualize settlement locations, population trends, and expansion patterns across the West Bank
As of February 2026, approximately 290,000 Israeli settlers reside in West Bank settlements, with another 230,000 in East Jerusalem, according to international monitoring organizations. This interactive tracker provides a comprehensive view of settlement distribution, population growth patterns, and official expansion announcements.
This tool compiles publicly available data from Israeli government sources, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), international monitoring organizations, and official statements from Israeli officials and Palestinian authorities. Track settlement locations by year, view population statistics, and understand the legal status of different settlement zones.
Whether you're researching the conflict, tracking policy developments, or understanding the geography of the West Bank, this tool provides the most current settlement data available in an interactive, filterable format.
Authorized Settlements: Settlements recognized by the Israeli government and provided with municipal services, infrastructure, and security. There are approximately 132 authorized settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem combined.
Unauthorized Outposts: Jewish settlements established without formal Israeli government approval, though often tolerated or later legalized. As of 2024, there are over 100 unauthorized outposts. These exist in legal limbo under Israeli law, though Israel's Supreme Court has occasionally ordered their dismantling.
Area C: Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into Area A (Palestinian-controlled cities), Area B (joint Israeli-Palestinian control), and Area C (full Israeli control). Approximately 60% of the West Bank is classified as Area C, where most settlements and Israeli military zones are located. Area C settlements face fewer restrictions on expansion compared to settlements in other areas.
East Jerusalem: Annexed by Israel in 1967; Israel treats it as part of its capital. The international community considers East Jerusalem occupied territory. Settlements here include neighborhoods like Gilo, French Hill, and Ramot.
Settlement population has grown dramatically since 1967. From fewer than 1,000 settlers in 1968, the population reached approximately 115,000 by the time of the 1993 Oslo Accords, and continued expanding to over 290,000 in the West Bank (plus 230,000 in East Jerusalem) by 2024.
Growth has accelerated during periods of political tension and slowed during peace negotiations. The fastest growth has occurred in 'ring settlements' close to the Green Line (1967 border), particularly around Jerusalem, and in the Samaria region of the northern West Bank.
Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) settlements like Beitar Illit and Modiin Illit have experienced the fastest population growth in recent years, driven by high birth rates and immigration. Modiin Illit has grown from roughly 2,000 residents in 1994 to over 68,000 by 2024, making it one of Israel's fastest-growing cities.
The 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into occupied territory. Most of the international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and International Court of Justice, considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be violations of international law, though Israel disputes this interpretation.
In 2016, UN Security Council Resolution 2334 reaffirmed that Israeli settlements have no legal validity and constitute an obstacle to peace. However, the United States, under certain administrations, has provided different interpretations of settlement legality.
Israel's Supreme Court has jurisdiction over settlement disputes and has occasionally intervened on individual cases, requiring evacuations of outposts or reviewing settlement procedures. However, the court has generally refrained from declaring the settlement project itself illegal.
In 2024, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced ambitious expansion plans, including legalizing previously unauthorized outposts and expediting settlement permits. These announcements came following the October 2023 escalation with Hamas and the subsequent Gaza conflict.
Official proposals have included annexing portions of the West Bank and establishing new settlement neighborhoods. The Israeli government has increased funding for settlement development and security infrastructure.
International responses have been mixed, with some countries issuing statements against settlement expansion while others have indicated acceptance or neutrality. Palestinian Authority officials have consistently opposed these measures as violations of international law and obstacles to a two-state solution.
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